Posts by tag: 900

Ducati March 1, 2019 posted by Donn

Barn Bevel – 1982 Ducati 900SS

Toward the left side of the sportbike diorama you'll find the Ducati Super Sports, with bevel-gear drive desmodue and long tubular frame. This example is one of the last before belt-driven cams arrived, and appears to be a special order with nickel plated chassis.

1982 Ducati 900 SS for sale on eBay

Close enough to be called a 900, the 864cc L-twin pushed 65 ponies with twin Dell'Orto 32mm carbs. Giorgetto Guigiaro and Ital Design had been enlisted to pen the mid-70's 860GT, and the bevel's crankcases have the angular shape then in vogue. The twin downtube frame used the engine to transfer loads to the swingarm connector, with Marzocchi dampers front and rear. Brakes were triple solid discs of 280mm diameter. The tank became more rounded than the GT, along with frame mounted fairing derived from the early -70's racing bikes.

The El Paso dealer who offers this SS doesn't delve into the history, but with just 7,500 miles it's been accumulating barn dust for a while. The clear bevel-drive covers show that there was a fan in the list of previous owners. A vignette of Berliner Imports is in the auction, maybe they ordered it with the nickel plated frame as a display. Some selective cleaning has been done, but there's more. From the eBay auction:

VERY RARE NICKEL PLATED FRAME LESS THAN 5 KNOWN TO EXIST WORLD WIDE HAS 7434 MILES GREAT CONDITION. BARN FIND WITH TEXAS TITLE. SEE PICTURES. BUY AS IS. GREAT CONDITION.

The bevels lost fans as other supersports caught up, but the bike reviewed as a stable high-speed platform, appropriately carburretted for the road. Ducati got busy with the MHR's, and not so many Supersports were built in 1981-82. This one has great potential, maybe not monetarily with the buy-it-now, but maybe down the road. When sold for a little less and restored to perfection, this interesting 900SS might be the hit of an early sportbike show.

-donn

Ducati January 17, 2019 posted by Mike

Featured Listing: 1997 Ducati 900SS CR in rare yellow!

Update 1.28.2019: This bike has sold to an RSBFS reader. Congratulations to buyer and seller! -dc

The Ducati 900 SuperSport line can trace its lineage a long way back. If you overlook the change from bevel-driven valve actuation to rubber belt drive, you can trace the DNA well into the 1970s. If you are looking for bleeding edge technology and the latest fads, you are missing the point. This is a motorcycle that is more than a collection of parts, even though the parts are very, very good. The Ducati SuperSport is a raw, basic sport bike that talks to the rider and gives willingly. With tons of great noise, torque, stability and panache, the SuperSport offers up a unique experience that is very Ducati.

Featured Listing: 1997 Ducati 900SS CR!

The SuperSport of the 90s came in 3 models: The SS CR (cafe racer) you see here, the SS SP (sports production) with upgraded suspension & brakes, and the SS SL (SuperLight). Originally only the SuperLight was available in yellow, while the SSCR and SSSP shipped in red livery with either gold or white accents depending upon the year. All had the same engine and chassis. The yellow CR is definitely an anomaly in the SuperSport world, and in many ways is the best looking of the bunch. The lighter color shows off the curves of the "just enough but not too much" bodywork. Thumb the starter and the 2-valve, air cooled desmo twin barks to life, idling with a pleasing lump. There is not a lot of RPM to play with by Japanese specs, but with torque available from 2,500 on up to redline, all is extremely usable. The twin arrangement creates a narrow profile and a comfortable cockpit.

From the seller:
1997 Ducati 900SS CR in the rare yellow

34,915 miles. High compression pistons. Termignoni carbon fiber slip-ons in exceptional condition. Open airbox with K&N filter. Brembo full floating cast iron rotors (as found on the SP). STM clutch slave cylinder. Stock forks were rebuilt/resprung several years ago. There's a very small ding in the tank but overall the bike is in outstanding condition.

Best of all...

The bike has been freshly serviced by TJ at MotoUnion in WI--ZERO miles since the valve adjustment and belts (OEM) were replaced (except what I may put on between now and when it sells). Carbs were just professionally cleaned and tuned—new jets and adjustable needles.

More from the seller:
Also replaced, with zero miles since:

· New Shorai battery

· New 520 sprockets (aluminum rear)

· New DID ERV3 520 chain

· New Dunlop Q3 tires

· New spark plugs

· New grips

· New EBC HH brake pads

· Fresh Motul RBF600 brake and clutch fluid

· Filter and full synthetic oil change

The modifications have been carefully selected and things like the windscreen and fenders are still OEM. The maintenance has thoroughly been done, so you'll have nothing to do but ride for thousands of miles.

I may be able to help with delivery between Chicago and Deal’s Gap in early September.

The hot rod bible for the SS lineup is pretty standard. This owner has made some tasteful, effective mods without thrashing the basic concept or idea. Weight is reduced, performance increased, yet reliability is not affected. The Termis are de rigueur, and add to the already fantastic soundtrack. Ditto for the airbox mods. The brake upgrade is not often seen on a CR, and takes braking to a whole new level. And the proof here is in the pudding; 34k miles and going strong. These motors are amazingly reliable and resilient; keep up with basic maintenance, belt changes and valve adjustments and you have a bike worth keeping long after the current fad has passed. Sure, at lower speeds the steering can be a bit heavy, but the platform is so stable across the sporting speed regime that it is hard to find much to fault. Maybe it isn't the fastest bike out there, but as a rock solid performer you would be hard pressed to find a bike that delivers the goods so consistently.

1997 Ducati SS CR

Asking price: $3950

The best part of these iconic Ducatis: they are downright affordable to own. This bike has more cost in hi-po parts than the asking price for the whole package. Maintenance is not the nightmare that some make it out to be (easily handled by a backyard mechanic, or by a local shop), and reliability is astounding for a bike that sounds so good. Performance is more than adequate for aggressive street riding, and longevity of the basic bits has been proved time and again by high mileage bikes. Heck, these things even get great gas mileage (stock: 50+ mpg, modified: in the 40 mpg range) - if that sort of thing appeals to you. And this is not a sell job; several RSBFS staffers swear by these things with their own cash as long-term owners. Adam - who is no stranger to sport bike collections, is looking to thin his herd a bit and this beautiful 900 SSCR needs a new home. Drool over the pictures and then ask yourself how you could afford NOT to add one to your stable. You'll be glad you did!

Ducati January 10, 2019 posted by Donn

Over-Under – 1981 Ducati 900 SSD SuperSport Darmah

Here is a recent restoration of a venerable classic, the Ducati 900 SS Darmah. Apparently reaching internationally for parts and services, Italian Iron Classics of Tucson presents a new-looking and prize winning 1981 machine.

1981 Ducati 900 SS Darmah for sale on eBay

Originally designed in the early 1970's, the bevel-drive desmo twin went through steady refinement toward the 864cc mill with 65 hp. Electronic ignition and electric start made the engine more tractable and of course user-friendly, and standardizing to a left-side shifter was a requirement. The SSD boasted Marzocchi suspension front and rear, 5-speed transmission and three 280mm disk brakes. The lightweight Paul Smart-ish fairing is more rounded than the integrated tank/sidepanel/seat combo, but they look great together.

Italian Iron Classics gives a long description of the build, but is puzzlingly chintzy with the photos. At this price point, additional photos and an inspection make sense. Rare among restorations, it has a rare newly rebuilt engine and re-done everything. Just break-in miles, and here's just one stanza of the eBay auction:

Jan and Toine Biggelaar, as well as their team of experts, are very talented racers and tuners in their own right. Their expertise is obvious with the care and attention to detail that they put into this engine build number DM860*900527. The crank was magna-fluxed and balanced with the new lightened Super Sport rods. Toine used Hastings piston rings on Borgo Super Sport pistons. All bearings, to include the main engine bearings, are new and not the cheap items that can be found on the internet. Viton seals on valve guides that are hardened to use with modern fuels were also installed. All transmission gears that needed replacing were replaced with NOS items. Additionally, the bevel gears in the bottom end of the engine were tested and replaced as well as a new clutch and internals. One of the values of this particular offering is that this Ducati bevel drive has a completely refreshed engine.

Superseded by the belt-driven cam Pantah, the bevel SuperSport was a little too long and heavy for a race career, but the torquey motor made for a special road machine. The usually black accent color around the headlight is the same blue as the stripes on the tank and seat console, a great detail. Bidding is active and still looking for the reserve, but I'd bet this special restoration will eventually cover...

-donn

Over-Under – 1981 Ducati 900 SSD SuperSport Darmah

Honda December 13, 2018 posted by Donn

Island Hopper – 1996 Honda CBR900RR

Pretty much the gold standard for '90-s Superbikes, the CBR900RR ( aka FireBlade ) was a power-to-weight champion. This one has the makings of a great value with excellent cosmetics, just over 4,000 miles, and reasonable starting bid.

1996 Honda CBR900RR for sale on eBay

Revolutionary in 1992, Revision 2.0 of the 900RR came in '96, with a slight bore increase for the carburetted straight four resulting in 919 cc's. Improvements to the shifting internals got great reviews, and extrusions for the alloy twin-spar chassis were thinner and larger. The riding position was incremented toward the street, and a change to the fuel tank shape helped the compact feel. A race-derived front fender gave a little downforce to the front end and directed air up and into the fairing.

Hemmed in by Brooklyn and North Jersey, it's easy to see how a superbike could wind up with low miles. This CBR presents very nicely, substantially stock and showing just a typical rub on the fairing near the (left) grip. Not sure what an easy touch-up that would be, but just replace the levers with your favorite and at least they'll match, and you're off. From the eBay auction:

Bike has a little over 4000 miles and runs like new. This bike is in showroom condition. I purchased this bike a few years ago from the original owner. All scheduled maintenance has been performed religiously and on time. You will never find another bike of this vintage in this great of shape. Awesome bike to add to your stable and to really enjoy. You can feel as if you’ve just stepped back into the 90’s! Any questions don’t hesitate to ask. This bike is not a restoration! It is all original and perfect.

As Honda's flagship, the FireBlade was gifted with outstanding build quality and attention to detail by their engineers. The owner seems realistic even though his claims of "perfect" and "showroom" might require an asterisk. With its low miles and apparently limited damage history, bidding on a twenty year-old superbike might not be a leap of faith in this case.

-donn

BMW November 15, 2018 posted by Donn

The Venerable – 1976 BMW R90S

BMW attempted to put some pizazz in their stodgy 70's reputation with their first S-bike in a while. The R90S had an improved powertrain, the usual excellent BMW build quality, and design by the up-and-coming Hans Muth. This example looks original but has had the works restored.

1976 BMW R90S for sale on eBay

Wanting to thrill and retain their existing customers, BMW stuck with the flat twin and bored the engine to 898cc's and built cylinders for 9.5:1 compression resulting in 67 reliable hp. 38mm Dell'Orto carbs helped breathing through the two-valve heads. A second hydraulic front disk was added with the master cylinder still under the tank, and a steering damper is mounted on the triple clamp. A comfortable ride was afforded by the long chassis with typical shaft drive. After many years of black with white pinstripes, the factory "smoke" paint highlights were a revelation.

This S looks to be complete and pretty original, with 43K-plus miles there's some patina, but more desirable than a new almost correct re-paint. The crash bars are a bit much but the engine and chassis re-build is what makes this a standout. A neat two-into-one exhaust, oil temperature and pressure gauges are a nice addition. Not mentioned in the notes, I think the cast wheels are a period update. From the eBay auction:

The bike is offered in excellent mechanical condition, fresh from service to ready the bike for sale. At 41,000 miles the bike was thoroughly mechanically restored. A full engine rebuild was undertaken with lightened flywheel, oversized pistons, new valves and guides, and dual plug heads were fitted. A deep oil sump was also installed. For added reliability a Dyna3 electronic ignition system was added with new upgraded coils.

The front suspension was rebuilt and progressive shocks were installed at the rear. The steering head bearings were replaced and a new steering damper fitted. The brakes were overhauled as well, rebuilding the master cylinder in the process. The electrical system was gone through and new switchgear installed on the right, powered by a fresh battery. Even the clock works! Heated grips were installed for some added comfort.

The original paint shows some blemishes here and there, most noticeably on the tank where the wearer’s jacket zipper has made contact and rubbed through a small patch. The paint is good, though, and showing nice patina rather than needing restoration. The side panels aren’t correct. The whole bike has an air of a super well-maintained and cherished machine, with no signs of neglect or abuse.

Revered for the boxer's smoothness, the R90S had sporting aspirations and the importer's race team took it all the way to the AMA Championship in 1976. Most were ridden more gently and burnished the reputation for reliability. Because of updates to the crankshaft and block, and drilled brake disks, the '76 model was worth the wait. The combination of condition, originality, and maintenance might make this the R90S to go for...

-donn

Benelli September 16, 2018 posted by Donn

Oh Sei – 1983 Benelli 900 Sei

New CEO DeTomaso ( yes that one ) led the historic Benelli company to higher performance machines and the 750 Sei ( Six ) in 1973. Benelli increased bore and stroke on the Sei to displace 906cc for the 1979 model year. Simultaneously outrageous, exotic, handcrafted, and occasionally disappointing, the Sei was Benelli's flagship until they merged with Moto-Guzzi in 1988.

1983 Benelli 900 Sei for sale on eBay

Looking for all the world like a SOHC Honda engine from the era, the Sei had some innovations, like placing the alternator behind the cylinders ( which were wide enough already ). 80 hp were routed through a 5-speed and double-row final drive chain, speaking to the torque that was available at just above tickover speed. Good as they are, the Brembo brakes are hopelessly outgunned by the power and mid-500 lbs. weight. In spite, the Sei got high marks for handling, steady in a corner when the competition was wallowing.

Looking excellent in its late -70's flowing bodywork and controls, this Sei has just over 11,000 miles. A machine of this age will have an afternoon's worth of tales, but the owner stays on message in the eBay auction:

A meticulously maintained 1983 Benelli 900 SEI with extremely low miles at 11300.
This bike is almost perfect, serviced and runs and drives perfectly.
They don’t come up often so here is an opportunity to get one.
Bid with absolute confidence.
Don’t waste my time with silly questions, low offers and if you don’t have money.
Viewing is welcomed before you buy.

Already in boutique territory, the Benelli pricing and complication of three carburetors made the Sei a rarity. Performance was a few bullets down on the mission statement, under pleasing the crowd, honoring the Benelli name, and showing off the factory's skills. Further down was a reliable ride, and the Sei got gigged repeatedly on electrical issues. But the sound ! More 911 than motorbike, especially with the six-into-six. For a collector with a European interest, this is just the bike for the end of the row...

-donn